Robert “Bob” Victor Johnson Jr.
March 26, 1935 – Aug. 2, 2020
Robert “Bob” Victor Johnson Jr., 85, Butler, died Aug. 2 at Butler Center in Butler. He was born March 26, 1935, to Robert Victor Sr. and Dorothy Horn Johnson in Kansas City.
A celebration of life for Robert “Bob” Johnson was Aug. 12 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Kansas City. Contributions may be made to Butler First Christian Church or BCMH Auxiliary Volunteers.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Geraldine “Gerry” Johnson, in 2011.
Bob is survived by two sons, Robert “Bob” Johnson III, Lee’s Summit, and Andrew Eric Johnson and wife, Wendy, Lone Jack; two daughters, Angela Schlotman, Butler, and Kristin Jones, Lee’s Summit; two sisters, Judy Rockwell and husband, Ed, Kingsville, and Karen Arbuckle and husband, Steve, Peculiar; eight grandchildren, Brooke, Rachel, Allie, Brad, Michael, Christian, Keeley and Kameron; and nine great-grandchildren, Ellianna, Maverick, Trey, Ashtyn, Averie, Teagan, Rylen, Hayden and Parker.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Home, Butler.
Patricia K. Leonard
July 30, 1943- Aug. 11, 2020
Patricia Kay “Shaver” Lemon Leonard, 77, Eufaula, Oklahoma, died Aug. 11 at her home. Patricia was born July 30, 1943, in Appleton City, the daughter of Robert “Bob” Randolph and Edna Mae (Nickerson) Shaver.
She graduated from Butler High School in Butler.
Sept. 30, 1962, she married E.C. Lemon and to this union two children were born. She later married John Leonard.
Patricia worked as a payroll clerk for HEB Grocery Stores in Texas. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Eufaula.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Survivors include, her son, Chet Lemon and wife Darlene of Eufaula; her daughter, Lisa Yoder of Lee Summit; a brother, Larry Shaver of Roanoke, Virginia; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Memorial services were in Eufaula, Oklahoma, with inurnment at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, where the family had a graveside service Aug. 23.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Home, Butler.
Nancy S. Winters
Oct. 13, 1941- Aug. 5, 2020
Nancy’s wishes were to be cremated.
Nancy Sue (Stanley) Winters, 78, Prairie Village, Kansas, formerly of Amsterdam, died Aug. 5 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born Oct. 13, 1941, the daughter of Scott and Lois Stanley in Independence.
Nancy attended Northeast High School in Independence where she met the love of her life, Roy Lee Winters.
After graduating in 1959, Nancy attended Louisiana Tech University before returning to Independence and marrying Roy in a beautiful, traditional church wedding April 15, 1961. Roy and Nancy were the proud parents of three wonderful children.
In 1972, they moved their family to Amsterdam where they relished turning an old farmstead into their family home and raising their children. Roy and Nancy loved and actively participated in their rural community.
Nancy worked as a substitute teacher for the Miami R-l School District before receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at UMKC. Nancy then taught third grade in the Louisburg School District for 26 years.
She loved her students and was a dedicated teacher. Every one of them knew when she snapped her finger it was time to focus on schoolwork. She loved enriching the lives of very many children.
Nancy made sure Roy and her children were involved in her beloved Amsterdam Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School, was the choir director and organized countless years of bible school.
Nancy especially loved her opportunities to fill in during special music performances during Sunday services.
Nancy retired from teaching in 2004, but she and Roy continued to stay involved and be active with their family.
They made furniture, traveled and attended their grandchildren’s many activities, just as they had with their own children for many years.
Nancy and Roy spent countless hours watching and helping support their children’s and grandchildren’s sporting and school events, always with great pride.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, DJ; brother, Bill; husband. Roy Lee; and son. Michael Lee.
Nancy is survived by her son, Jeff Winters and wife Tyra of Lithia, Florida; daughter, Jennifer Rhoades and husband Bruce of Kansas City; three beloved grandchildren, Jacob Herrell and wife Shannon of Butler and Kelsey and Trevor Lee Winters of Lithia, Florida; and countless other relatives that loved and cherished her, but are too numerous to name.
Nancy’s family would also like to give special thanks to the caregivers who have helped support her over the years, Whitney, Marshell, Abby and Bailey.
A visitation and a celebration of life ceremony was Aug. 11 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. Inurnment was in Westpoint Cemetery, Amsterdam.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nancy’s Closet at Louisburg Broadmoor Elementary School or the Alzheimer’s Association-Heart of America Chapter in Kansas City.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Home, Butler.
James F. Adams
July 15, 1954 – Aug. 18, 2020
Visitation for James Franklin “Jim” Adams Jr. was Aug. 22 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler, with cremation following. Contributions are suggested to the family.
James Franklin “Jim” Adams Jr., 66, Archie, died Aug. 18 in Batesville, Arkansas. He was born July 15, 1954, the son of James Franklin, Sr., and Wilma Mott Adams in Kansas City.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Franklin Adams, Sr.; a son, Anthony James Adams; and first wife, Teresa Bitner Adams.
Jim is survived by his wife, Lauri Adams, Archie; three sons, Clayton Adams and girlfriend, Sarah, and Wayne Adams all of Archie, and Christopher Adams, Raytown; a stepson, Jonathan Brewster, Archie; his mother, Wilma Herndon, Butler; three sisters, Kathy Adams, Kansas City, Elizabeth Smith and husband, Randy, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Drexel; and nine grandchildren, William, Emmett, Monica, Courtnie, Emily, Rebecca, Jamie, Lyssa and Amy.
Funeral Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Thomas H. Famuliner, Jr.
May 2, 1932 – Aug. 17, 2020
Thomas Howard Famuliner, Jr., 88, Harrisonville, died Aug. 17 at Golden Years Care Center in Harrisonville.
Tom was born May 2, 1932, in Holden, the son of Thomas Howard and Helen (Ingram) Famuliner.
He was raised in Holden and was a graduate of Holden High School.
He married Lila M. Hedden in 1954. He had lived in Harrisonville since 1960. Tom was an auto mechanic and retired from Western Auto in Grandview.
He was a member and Past Master of Cass Masonic Lodge No. 147 AF&AM, Harrisonville. He loved guns, clocks and watches.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.
He is survived by his wife, Lila, of the home; a son, Tom Famuliner and wife, Karen, Archie; three grandchildren, Ray Looney, Chad Reynolds and Tamara Stroud; and three great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian.
William C. Phares
Feb. 22, 1973 – June 23, 2020
William “Billy” Calvin Phares, Harrisonville, was born Feb. 22, 1973, in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, the son of Clifford and Donna (Schock) Phares. He died June 23 near Harrisonville at the age of 47 years, 4 months and 1 day.
On July 25, 2010, Billy was married to Sheree Lynn Parker in Harrisonville. Billy was employed as a warehouse worker for Church & Dwight Arm and Hammer in Harrisonville. He attended the Crossroads Assembly of God Church with his grandmother.
Billy was a talented artist, loved to draw and loved his music. He enjoyed doing volunteer work and helping with children.
Billy was known as a people person and had a good heart.
Billy is survived by his wife, Sheree Parker-Phares, of the home; his mother, Donna Phares, Harrisonville; his father, Clifford Phares, Browns Mills, New Jersey; two brothers, Bruce Phares, Browns Mills, New Jersey, and Edward Davis, Pikesville, North Carolina; two sisters, Christine Schemelia, Pine Barrens, New Jersey, and Alice Phares. Browns Mills, New Jersey; his maternal grandmother, Darlene Eastman, Harrisonville; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were Aug. 24 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Graveside services were Aug. 24 at the Brownington Cemetery, Brownington.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Michael Hogue
Feb. 12, 1949 – Aug. 15, 2020
After a lengthy illness, Michael Hogue of Garden City died Aug. 15 at the age of 71.
Michael was born Feb. 12, 1949, in Independence, the son of Elmer and Jerrie Hogue.
He was a member of St. Ann’s Parish in Independence and attended St. Ann’s Catholic School where he was proud to serve as an altar boy. A devout Roman Catholic, he chose to attend and graduated from De La Salle Academy in 1967. He was also a member of the Men’s Club at St. Ann’s.
Law enforcement was his calling from an early age. Following his teenage membership in the Independence Police Department Explorers Post, he enrolled in the Kansas City Police Academy. Michael received honors from former Kansas City Police Chief Clarence Kelly as the top graduate of his class.
At first a patrolman, then a detective for the city of Independence, Michael often worked undercover and specialized in auto theft. Along with partner Mike Dresser, his crime solving exploits were once mentioned on Paul Harvey’s nationally syndicated radio broadcast. The M&M Squad had broken the largest auto theft ring in the nation at the time.
Part of the KC Metro Squad, Michael worked with or met every president of the United States from Harry S Truman through George H.W. Bush. Accepting a position with the United States Federal Police, he worked in Washington, D.C., during the Ronald Reagan presidential years.
Attending the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, Michael earned the distinction of sharpshooter. Ending his career as a special investigator for the U.S. Treasury Department, he served in both St. Louis and Chicago.
Michael was honored to be one of the last members of “The Untouchables” – the same law enforcement group founded by legendary lawman Eliot Ness. His former unit is now a part of Homeland Security.
Michael enjoyed woodworking and collected tools, model trains and friends.
His service with the government took him all over this country and he knew people far and wide. Never at a loss for words, he could converse with anyone on almost every subject.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge 2791 in Harrisonville and Fraternal Order of Police No. 50. He owned My Three Sons Liquor and Deli in Gladstone in the 1970s where he enjoyed sponsoring a local automobile racing team.
As an officer in the FOP, Michael spearheaded the first “Bikes and Trikes for Tykes” drive to refurbish and provide bicycles to disadvantaged youth.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Elmer; his mother, Jerrie; and a brother, Dennis.
Surviving are his wife, Kathy; two daughters, Theresa and Randy Reiss, Greenwood and Kristi Hogue, Kansas City; and a son, Graham Michael, Texas; a brother Pat and Joyce Hogue, Garden City; and sister, Rhonda and Dean Lugenbeel, Pleasant Hill; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Sharing their grief are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in the metro area plus cousins in California.
A visitation was Aug. 24 with Rosary and a prayer service by Father Vogel all at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill. Casket Bearers were Dakota Wilson and Josh Wilson, both friends, Michael Hill a great-nephew, David Hill and Dennis Hogue, both nephews and Ognjen Malesic, a friend.
Interment was in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Raytown.
Arrangements were under direction of the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
Joyce D. James
Jan. 14, 1944 – Aug. 16, 2020
Joyce Darlene James, 76, Harrisonville, died Aug. 16 at Crown Care Center in Harrisonville. No services are scheduled at this time.
Darlene was born Jan. 14, 1944, in Kansas City, the daughter of Harold Corwin and Mildred M. (Sledd) James.
She lived and grew up in East Lynne and attended East Lynne School. Darlene was a bright and loving person and brought joy to many people. She was loved by everyone.
She loved Elvis Presley and her room looked like a shrine to him. She had every movie he ever made and he crooned to her many nights and days. Darlene died on the same day Elvis died and at the same time at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 16.
She was an amazing person and a blessing to all who cared for her and made her laugh. She will be missed by all. We know that she is dancing and speaking fluently with our Lord today.
Darlene was preceded in death by her father, Harold James and a brother, Darrell James.
She is survived by her mother, Mildred James, Harrisonville; two brothers, Darwin and Linda James, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Harold and Sue James, East Lynne; and a sister, Dieanna and Donald Van Benthusen, Harrisonville.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Ella M. Shingleton
April 5, 1937 – Aug. 16, 2020
Ella May (Rushly) Shingleton, 83, Harrisonville, died Aug. 16 at Cass Regional Medical Center, Harrisonville.
Ella May was born April 5, 1937, the daughter of Lawrence E. Rushly and Ruth (King) Rushly in Pleasant Hill.
Ella May accepted Jesus as her Savior at a young age and became a lifelong member of Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church. She graduated from Harrisonville High School as the class valedictorian in 1955.
One month later, June 9, 1955, she became the bride of her high school sweetheart, Don Shingleton. Together the young couple would go on to partner in farming as Rush-Shing Acres for the next 65 years. Ella May kept the books and Don worked the fields.
In September 1958, their first child, Debbie, was born. June 1962, they welcomed their second daughter, Tamie. A son, Jerry, completed their family in September 1970.
Caring for her family was the hallmark of Ella May’s life. Keeping a nice home and cooking homemade, comforting meals for her family kept her busy.
Being with her children and grandchildren, decorating her home, scrap booking, riding in the truck with Don to look at the crops or going to town with him to get some ice cream, Ella May was content and found joy in the simple things of life.
Above all, Ella May loved the Lord. She often talked of what Heaven might be like and anxiously awaited Jesus’ return. Those of us who knew and loved Ella May, know that she is now safe in the arms of Jesus.
She is survived by her husband, Don Shingleton, of the home; three children, Debbie Bennett and husband Johnny, Tamie Bennett and husband John R. and Jerry Shingleton and wife Angela all of Harrisonville; four grandchildren, Jamie Bennett, Jay Bennett, Lauren (Shingleton) Brown and husband Jason, Dustin Bennett and wife Elizabeth; other relatives and many friends.
Graveside services were Aug. 20 at the Clearfork Cemetery near Garden City.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Michael E. Sites
Feb. 16, 1951 – Aug. 12, 2020
After a short, but hard fought battle, Michael “Mike” E. Sites died Aug. 12 at Grossman Burn Center with family by his side.
Mike, the youngest of eight sons of John Theodore and Lucy Mae (Crotchett) Sites, was
born Feb. 16, 1951, in Harrisonville.
He graduated from Sherwood High School in 1969. He was married to Cheryl Gary Oct. 24, 1970, and together they raised their two daughters, Angie and Annette.
Mike retired from Sprint Corporation in 2002 after 30 years of service and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Leeton.
Mike enjoyed spending time with his girls, grandchildren and extended family. He was an avid Grandpad user and loved to watch YouTube to see the latest hillbilly banjo production.
He took pride in his ability to troubleshoot. From broken toys to broken hearts, Mike always had a solution.
Mike was devoted to his family and without question or judgment would provide advice, comfort, shelter or an ass chewing if you needed it.
Shortly before his death, his family and friends were asked to describe him. The responses were loyal, ornery, stubborn, funny, generous, strong, respected, kind, a warrior, protective and Best Dad. There is no better way to describe him.
In keeping with his loving and generous spirit, Mike’s final act was to give the gift of life through cornea and bone donations.
Never take a single moment for granted – accept the hug, say I love you and embrace your blessings.
Godspeed Papa and lock the bottom lock.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Cheryl (Gary) Sites; son-in-law Russ Hendrickson; son-in-law Robert “Bob” Williams, III; and brothers, Bob, Herman, Max, Milton and Everett “Fuzz” Sites.
Mike is survived by his daughters, Angie Williams of Garden City and Annette Hendrickson of Raytown; his grandchildren Brett Cox, Lyndsay Cox and Bobby Williams; and brothers, Pat and Sandy Sites of Peculiar and Ralph and Linda Sites of Clinton.
In addition to his immediate family he will be sorely missed by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Grant Cemetery Association.
Funeral services were Aug. 17 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City, with burial in the Grant Cemetery near Creighton.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City.
Joshua D. Sizemore
Nov. 22, 1982 – Aug. 14, 2020
Joshua David Sizemore was born Nov. 22, 1982, in Burbank, California. He died Aug. 14 in Diamond City, Arkansas, at the age of 37.
The eldest of four boys, leadership came naturally to him. That combined with his drive to help improve others created an extraordinarily kind, generous and caring man. The standards that he held himself and those around him to were at the highest level.
His loss is felt by all who knew him no matter how briefly.
After graduating high school, Joshua became a member of IUOE Local 12 and was a member there for 20 years. He hired on with Kiewit Power Constructors seven years ago as a civil foreman. Most recently he held a construction manager role for a job in Ohio.
Joshua loved camping, Jeeping, boating, smoking cigars and most of all he loved spending time with his fiancée Jennifer, family and friends.
He is survived by his fiancée Jennifer Hartzler; his mother, Kathleen Sizemore; his father David Sizemore; his brothers, Jeffery Sizemore, Jacob Sizemore and Jack Sizemore; his sister-in-law, Lisa Sizemore; his niece, Samantha Sizemore; his nephew, Leto Sizemore; his future grandmother-in-law, Sandy Andrews; his future father-in-law, Randall Hartzler; his future mother-in-law, Stephanie Hartzler; his future brother-in-law, Shane Hartzler; his future sisters-in-law, Shelby Hartzler, Morgan Hartzler and Jessica Hartzler; his dog, Willie Sizemore, and his cat, Phyllis Sizemore.
A celebration of Joshua’s life was Aug. 22 at Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore. In lieu of flowers, a memorial page has been set up by the family at: https://everloved.com/life-of/joshua-sizemore/
Arrangements were under the direction of the Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore.
John H. Walkup
April 20, 1947 – May 21, 2020
John Howard Walkup, 73, Harrisonville, died May 21 at his home. A small family service was held at home in Harrisonville. John was cremated as per his wishes and will be kept at home, by his wife, Julie.
John was born April 20, 1947, in St Louis, the son of Howard and Mary Ella Walkup.
John was the second son of his family, along with brothers Patrick, James, the youngest David, and his sister.
He married Julie Cavin April 14, 2007, and they made their home in Harrisonville. Together they shared four adult children and 10 combined grandchildren, each one deeply loved and cared about by John. They are Philip and his wife Kellie Cavin and their four children Julianna, Bailey and the twins Max and Gabe; Cork and Vanessa Cavin and their four children Jocelyn, Addy, Annalise and the youngest Cork Jr.; John’s son Newlyn and his two children along with daughter Maryella survive him.
John was an Army Vietnam veteran serving as a medic. After his time in service he became a respiratory therapist for more than 35 years.
He then became an IT specialist while working at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. That is where he met his wife, Julie, and shared 15 of the best years of his life. In his words, “We are forever newlyweds as our home knows only love.”
In July 2019, he had part of his left lung removed in an attempt to slow down lung cancer. However, his cancer was much more aggressive than at first thought. He died in May 2020 losing a hard fought battle with this disease. He was being cared for at home by his wife and those few days with hospice. John’s kind and gentle spirit is and will be greatly missed.
Men like John are rare and few. I was truly blessed to have had him in my life.